Kroenke forks out £368k on more Arsenal shares

The Guardian report that Stan Kroenke has spent £368,000 snapping up 23 more shares to take his total shareholding in Arsenal to 67.05% (41,721 shares).

The American, who goes by the moniker ‘Silent Stan, has been the Gunners majority shareholder since 2011.

The entrepreneur first got involved with Arsenal back in February 2007 when a technical link-up – organised by the long-departed David Dein – was agreed with his MLS outfit, the Colorado Rapids.

Two months later Kroenke bought his first shares in the club, snapping up a 9.9% stake from Granada Ventures, a subsidiary of ITV plc.

As his stake increased the Arsenal board, originally skeptical of his interest from across the Pond, warmed to his involvement, in part because he helped counteract Aliser Usmanov’s rival bid for the club. Within 18 months Kroenke was appointed to the board at the Emirates.

Last month Arsene Wenger said he had the full backing of Kroenke to spend money in the transfer window. His comments are unlikely to make the 68-year-old tycoon any more popular with supporters who, frustrated by the passive role of KSE, have repeatedly called for him to quit his involvement with the Gunners.